When a high school student-athlete commits to a college program, some make a decision with the next four years in mind.

For Hempfield’s Nate Trimble however, his recent commitment to play football at Wilkes University was a choice aimed at the rest of his life, personally and professionally.

When looking through potential landing places, the main factor for Trimble wasn’t about flashy stadiums or television exposure.

It was about choosing a place that was going to best prepare him for his life outside of football.

Once graduated from college, Trimble plans on entering the armed forces full time and forming a long-term military career.

“I plan on putting in at least 20 years to life in the military,” he said. “Then maybe with my bachelors in sports management, I could be a gym teacher.”

Trimble cited Wilkes close-knit community atmosphere as a big reason for choosing the private school in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

“Everything is in walking distance and I’ll just be able to get to know everyone better. It’s like a family.”

Trimble achieved early graduation from Hempfield in January and in order to get a head start on his military career, will leave for Parris Island, South Carolina for boot camp with the United States Marine Corps later this month.

“All through college, I’ll be a Marine and then a few weekends out of the year, I’ll do training and after four years of college, I’ll become active,” Trimble said.

For the next four football seasons at Wilkes however, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Hempfield product will be a defensive end/linebacker.

“The coaching staff is all young and they all seemed to love me,” Trimble said. “Wilkes brought me in and actually saw potential in me and that’s something I really love.”

Wilkes is part of the Middle Atlantic Conference in the NCAA’s Division III. The Colonels finished the 2015 season with a 2-8 record under second-year coach Trey Brown.

“He’s (Brown) a great guy. He has been recruiting me for almost a year and he definitely tells you how it is, but in a good way. He always has a smile on his face,” Trimble said.

Though his time in Parris Island will undoubtedly prepare him for his future career in the armed services, Trimble is also excited about the effects the training will have on his performance on the football field.

“It’s going to teach me a lot of discipline. It’ll help me never give up during practice or put my head down. Boot camp is no joke and it’ll definitely teach me a lot about myself.”